Pamella Roland: 2015 Bridal Collection (Get the Look with Laura Mercier)

For Pamella Roland’s first ever bridal collection, makeup artist Alexis Comforti created a flawless makeup look that conveyed “classic, radiant and youthful beauty” evocative of a modern Audrey Hepburn. The key to this look is Laura Mercier’s classic formula, Silk Crème Foundation ($47), which helps skin look radiant, fresh and photo-ready.

LORAC Cosmetics Wishes You a Very Royal Holiday!

This season, the red carpet cosmetics authority allows that special woman in your life to feel like a queen. Choose from a vast selection of majestic-inspired spinoffs of LORAC's best-selling products such as the Royal Red Carpet Full Face Collection, Mega PRO Palette, Royal 3D Liquid Lustre Set and more! The series launches TODAY,  October 1, 2014 and will be available for purchase at http://www.loraccosmetics.com.

TotalBeauty.com's Beautygasm Box AKA: For that "Special" Inner Glow...

TotalBeauty.com, a great online resource for beauty news, reviews and an engaging community for beauty lovers, has introduced their version of a subscription service: the TOTAL BEAUTY COLLECTION, a package of deluxe beauty samples hand-picked by their editors for beauty addicts, er... I mean enthusiasts, to buy and try at home. For December, they're spicing up the whole "treat yourself" (or, if you're a fan of Parks & Recreation like I am-"treat yoself") concept by including a little something extra from Trojan (not pictured above), to inspire women to, uh... indulge in themselves. Let just say, you can think of it as a non-cosmetic way of achieving that special glow...Talk about getting a winter glow from the inside out…

2 in 1? Try 3 in 1!-AKA: NYC New York Color City Duets 2 in 1 Lip Color

I know the saying goes, "You get what you pay for," but sometimes there are exceptions to the rule. Don't sleep on drugstore brands! For example the City Duet 2 in 1 Lip Colors from NYC New York Color. They may retail for a mere $2.99, but considering you basically get 3 lipsticks for that price, even the biggest brand snob can stand to give these a try!

The Game of Beauty-AKA LUSH's Emotional Brilliance Collection

Brilliant Makeup from LUSH!

Just as they've done with skin care, LUSH has taken a fresh and inventive approach to cosmetics with their new Emotional Brilliance collection.In a way that only LUSH can, they have introduced an entirely new concept, in which wearing makeup is less about what's in season or on trend and more about wearing colors to shape your mood-actually matching your psychological needs to which color cosmetics you should e range consists of lip colors, eyeliners, and eyeshadows, as well as skin tints and a translucent powder.  Color choices are made by playing an insightful game, that involve spinning a gorgeous color wheel and picking the shade that immediately stand out to you. Each shade corresponds with a word, such as Confident, Take Control, or Passionate (or in my case-Fantasy, Feeling Secure, and Glamorous), that are significant to your needs at that time. By wearing the color, you are truly using the power of suggestion and in essence, willing the corresponding word into your life.

Beauty on the Go

Beauty Must Haves For Travel by mamafashionist1 featuring a thick eyeliner

This weekend I had the opportunity to test drive and experiment with my ever growing makeup stash in order to fine tune not only a simple go to look (similar to my Basic Face), but also looks that would last all day (in the Georgia heat), be easy to touch up if necessary, and help me look put together but not overly made up. The arsenal above proved to be exactly what I needed and they will definitely be in my travel beauty bag from now on! 

The only items not pictured that I utilized this weekend are my all time favorite highlight (and HG product) MAC's Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb, Benefit's  The POREfessional primer  and one of my favorite palettes, Smashbox's Click You're It Holiday 2011 Palette (which I also feature here). Here's a breakdown of everything else I used (as pictured above):

After washing my face, Maijan's Argan Oil was my moisturizer of choice. It was perfect for prepping my skin for makeup, but more importantly it left my skin smooth and glowing. Because my skin was in decent shape, I did not need a full face of liquid foundation. I simply smoothed on the Benefit primer, used Smashbox High Definition Concealer in Medium/Dark under my eyes (to brighten and highlight) and on a few blemishes, and apply a light layer of Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Powder Foundation with SPF 20 in Medium/Dark to even out my complexion and eliminate unwanted shine (and the gorgeous rose gold compact the foundation comes in is some of the prettiest packaging I have ever come across). I contoured with NYC New York Color SUN'n'Bronze Bronzing Powder in Montauk Bronze, added MAC Powder Blush in Fleet Fast from the Hey! Sailor Collection to my cheeks, and Superb Skinfinish for the perfect glow and dimension.

Everyday for the eyes, I started with MAC Bamboom Paint as a base. On Friday, I simply used the Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black to make an intense cat eye and Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Perversion to tightline. On my waterline, in the inner corner of the eye, and on my brow bone, I applied NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk. I finished my eyes by curling my lashes and applying a few coats of Bobbi Brown Intensifying Long Wear Mascara in Black to the top and lower lashes (and the applicator in this mascara is perfect for grabbing every single lash, especially in the inner corners and lower lashes, and making the most of them). On Saturday, I went more delicate with the liner on my upper lash, added a bit of #6 from the Smashbox palette, and kept everything else the same. On Sunday, I did my traditional cat eye, used Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24/7 Eyeshadow in Edgy Emerald in the inner third of the lid and along the inner half of the lower lashline, applied #14 from the Smashbox palette in the crease and outer v, and #10 in the center of the lid, and #4 to highlight under my brow bone.

For lips, I kept it simple. Each day I started with my favorite (another HG) eos lipbalm in sweet mint, and used MAC Lipglass in Rebel (on Friday and Saturday when my eye look was simple) and a beautiful sheer, nude cream lipstick from Giorgio Armani on Sunday. 

The best thing about each of the looks was that, with the exception of reapplying balm, lipstick, and/or gloss, the only kind of touch up I needed throughout the long hot days was a bit of Mally Beauty Evercolor Poreless Face Defender to keep shine at bay. Another must that stayed in my purse all weekend long, was Sally Hansen's Gem Crush nail polish. I had Bling-Tastic on my toes and Showgirl Chic on my fingers. I love how adding these sparkle-licious colors to just one finger on each hand and one toe on each foot is enough to add a little extra something to your look! Plus if you chip the polish on any of your other nails, just covering the chip up with a bit of the Gem Crush polish adds a bit of unexpected flair that is really unique.

So that's that. After this weekend, I literally cleaned out my makeup bag and refilled it with these goodies (well, at least the ones that will fit into it). For the most part, I felt polished and put together this weekend, despite the crowds, heat, and my kiddies, and that was due in large part to the products. What's in your makeup bag? What products do you have to have with you where ever you go? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

PS-Some of the products mentioned above were provided to me by PR. I was not paid for this post and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own. This post does contain affiliate links-if you click on a text link AND make a purchase, I will receive a small commission :)

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Powder Blush in Pink Sorbet: AKA My HG Blush

I'm going to be honest with you lovelies, up until fairly recently, my feeling towards blush have been a bit ambivalent. I mean, if I was going some place special and went through the trouble of putting on foundation, then I would apply some blush so that my face would have a bit of color. But I think I had been relying on the same 2 or 3 blushes I had from my time as a mark. rep (which was ages ago) and the blushes in a well loved (and also ancient) palette from Sephora. In other words, I had never purchased a blush on its own and simply because I felt as if it was a necessary component in my makeup routine. 

Hawaiian Shores Collection from Avon

This summer I am trying to live a life at the beach, vicariously through my beauty products. If it promises to give you a beachy glow, sun kissed color, surfer girl chic hair, or smell anything remotely oceany or tropical, I'm all about it! So it should come as no surprise that I was super interested in Avon's new Hawaiian Shores Collection.

Thank Goodness for Easy Pay: Mally Beauty Goodies

Mally Beauty by mamafashionist1 on polyvore.com

I posted about Mally Beauty's At Home Professional Gel Nail Kit earlier this month, but I thought I'd share some other goodies from the makeup maven and QVC darling!

Bethenny Frankel's Skinnygirl Face & Body

I'm kind of ashamed to admit it, but I know I'm not alone, so here goes: I really like TV. And I really enjoy "reality" TV. In fact, I think Bravo may be one of my favorite channels. For me, it started with the first season of Top Chef and just exploded from there. So I actually remember the first season of Real Housewives of New York, when Bethenny Frankel stood out as the lone "non" wife in the cast. She also didn't talk like the other wives, or live the same lifestyle (or on the same side of town). She was easier to relate to, because her story, her life, mirrored other women's life in a way that the other cast members just did not.


I also remember the sense of happiness I felt for her to see her business ventures flourish (did you see the Bethenny Ever After where she and her hubby visited the Skinnygirl bottling plant? And have you seen the commercials for Skinnygirl cocktails lately? There's 4 vodkas, 5 cocktails, and 3 wines now!), we were pregnant at around the same time, and to see her tie the knot and live and learn the challenges of being part of the partnership that is marriage. 


It was only a couple of  years ago that Bethenny was single and struggling to pay rent on her 750 foot apartment in New York. When she was on the Real Housewives of New York, she quickly became a sensation because she is relatable – she tells it like it is! Women across America reacted to  her being herself and being honest. Now, Bethenny Frankel is a reality TV star, mother, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and a talk-show host!

Stay Photo Ready Even in the Heat With Smashbox Cosmetics

Smashbox Cosmetics was built from the dynasty of Hollywood legend Max Factor to meet the needs of women constantly in the spotlight and in front of the camera. No wonder they've developed an ingenious product to help ladies (who don't have access to an all star glam squad) look chic and camera ready, no matter the humidity or heat index!


Meet the Be Discovered Cream Cheek Trios...

The HBA 2012 IPDA Awards Winners Are...

(via Beauty Press)

HBA Global Expo today announced the winners of its annual IPDA (International Package Design Awards) competition. Hundreds of beauty and packaging professionals gathered at the end of the opening day of HBA Global Expo for the big reveal of the winners. These prestigious awards honor the year’s most innovative packaging in several categories including cosmetics, fragrance, personal care, skin care and sustainability. Categories for Sampling/Travel Size products and At-Home Devices and Tools have also been added to the program.

As the longest running and biggest package design awards in the beauty industry—major brands, niche players and indie companies, have all won HBA’s IPDA awards for excellence in package design and engineering achievements.

Judging for the IPDA was done by a “Committee of 100” made up of industry professionals, designers, suppliers and members of the media. IPDA submissions were evaluated on the following: originality, design concept, creative use of new materials, components and decorating processes, technical competency and effective brand messaging. 


And the winners are...

Who Knew I'd Never Leave the House Without My Avon?!?

It's true! Avon has made one of the most beautiful, versatile, and useful compacts I've ever owned: the True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Nocturnal (Q907)...

Avon's True Color Quad in Nocturnal (top row: celadon and nocturnal; bottom row: suede and tempted)

Make Your Pout Sweet with LUSH-cious Lip Tints

I can't tell you how excited I am about the fact that LUSH is opening a store at the Mall of Georgia (I actually wanted the hubby to take a picture of me in front of the location where the store is going)! I look forward to that unmistakable scent that emits from the store (in my opinion much more preferable to the sometimes obnoxious, heavy handed scents coming from Abercrombie, or Hollister... I get them mixed up) in addition to trying out some of these goodies...

June Julep Maven Box

I am a huge fan of nail polish. I think that it's a fun and (relatively) inexpensive way to incorporate the latest trends in beauty and fashion and some creativity and individuality into your wardrobe.

There are tons of subscription services out there (and I've tried a bunch of them), but one of my favorites is the Julep Maven program from Seattle based company Julep (and they have the cutest, chicest Julep Nail Parlors out there). I'm not going to go into a long spiel trying to sell you lovelies on the service, but I am going to share my latest box with you...

My Julep Maven It Girl Box :)

My MAC Wish List

I had an awesome day out with the hubby and the lil bits today (Peyton is on a road trip to see her great grandmother). We went to see The Avengers (the first time the hubby and I have been to a theater since Knight and Day came out two summers ago), and while it was highly enjoyable (I actually read Marvel comics as a girl and am well versed in the Marvel Universe; I knew who the bad dude after the credits was), my favorite parts of the day were visiting the CCO and the MAC Cosmetics counter at Nordstrom to finally see the Hey, Sailor! collection in real life.

Though I REALLY wanted to go on an all out shopping spree, the hubby's presence kind of hampered that notion. I got to swatch a few gems at the CCO that I hope will still be there when I return, but I had the most fun at Nordies. Initially I just wanted to swatch a few things from the new collection and come back later (by myself) to get a few things, but the MAC artist that helped me was SO nice and SO helpful, I ended up buying something then and there (and have added a few things to my MAC wish list).

Sephora Presents Josie Maran Argan Oil

I've written a post about about Josie Maran and her growing family, her charitable work, and my love of oils (including Argan oil), so when I stumbled across this video on YouTube, it only seemed fitting that I post it here as well...

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Isn't here daughter adorable! I'm pretty much addicted to her 100% Argan Oil; I use it as part of night time ritual and it has made a real difference in my skin. I was truly skeptical about using oil on my oily skin, but trust me, it works! If you're on the fence about trying it, Sephora has a trial size vial for $14. It contains enough product to make you a believer!

There is also a full line of Argan Oil infused cosmetics, including an instant, self adjusting, oil absorbing powder foundation (in a gorgeous rose gold compact)...

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker  Powder Foundation SPF 20 in  Med/Dark

A convenient, multi-purpose lip and cheek stain...

Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain in Tango

And even an Argan Oil Hair Serum...

If you couldn't tell already, I'm a fan of the line. It's truly worth checking out the next time you head to Sephora (because you know you were heading there anyway!). What products are in your beauty arsenal that you were originally skeptical about, but now can't live without? What do you highly recommend? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and tell me all about it! Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

PS: All photos are via Sephora.com. If you click on the pictures of the products, it will take you directly to the page you can order them from. FTC Disclaimer: I was sent the products mentioned by PR for my consideration. I was not paid to review them and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :)

I Don't Know What Took Me So Long! (Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Strips)

I recently got the chance to (finally) try Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips and I have no idea what took me so long to try them! If I could, I'd probably change my nail color every other day; the only reason I don't is because a base coat, two coats of color, and a top coat take FOREVER to dry (even with my beloved Seche Vite)! So it's hard to find the time to go through the process and when I do manage to do my nails (at least once a week), nine times out of ten I end up messing it up within hours of finishing it.

Salon Effects in Lust-rous

So it should've been a no brainer to give these strips a try. They require no base coat or top coat; Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips offer DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde Free, no dry time nail looks for the style that lasts up to ten days. This easy and affordable at-home nail technology puts bold color, high shine, and intricate design at your finger tips-just peel, apply, file, and go!

It took a little finagling to apply them (mind you I had the two little ones clamoring all over me), but the process was fairly simple, and I love the results!

I used 360 Laced Up (and Essie Luxe Effects on my accent nail)

I definitely plan to use these again (though probably not right before I clean up the kitchen and cook, or on a night I detangle Lo's hair like I did this time), and next time I'll try to be a little more careful and precise. I would love to try the set that Christina Aguilera wore recently on the voice, Lust-rous (pictured above)!

Christina Aguilera on the set of The Voice (isn't she gorg!)

Have you had a chance to try these yet? How often do you change your nail color? Are you a DIY girl or do you go to the salon to get your mani/pedis done? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know all about it! Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

PS: The strips were supplied to me for consideration by PR. I was not paid to review them and all opinions stated are honest and my own...